Sun
The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.

Full Sun, Part Sun

Height
The typical height of this product at maturity.

4 inches

Spread
The width of the plant at maturity.

5-8 inches

Ornamental Use
Ways in which the product may be used in the garden for ornamental effect.

Beds, Container

Life Cycle
This refers to whether a plant is an annual, biennial or perennial. Annuals complete their life cycles in one year; biennials produce foliage the first year and bloom and go to seed the second year; perennials can live for more than two years.

Annual

Sow Method
This refers to whether the seed should be sown early indoors and the seedlings transplanted outside later, or if the seed should be sown directly in the garden at the recommended planting time.

Start IndoorsStart Indoors
Starting seeds indoors is called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds indoors in the spring or summer

TransplantTransplant
When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for spring

Start OutdoorsStart Outdoors
Starting seeds outdoors is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the spring or summer

Start Indoors FallStart Indoors Fall
Starting seeds indoors in the fall called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

Transplant FallTransplant Fall
Transplant Fall-When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for fall

Start Outdoors FallStart Outdoors Fall
Starting seeds outdoors in the fall is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

First Date: May-09 - Last Date: May-30

First Date: Mar-07 - Last Date: Mar-21

First Date: May-02 - Last Date: May-30

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Growing information

Alyssum may be sown directly in the garden after frost or planted as a potted plant.

Sowing Directly in the Garden:

Direct sow seeds in average soil in full sun to part shade after danger of heavy frost.

Sow seeds 6 inches apart and barely press in; light aids germination.

Firm soil lightly and keep evenly moist.

Seedlings will emerge in 8-10 days.

Planting Potted Plants:

Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic soil.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.

Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter. Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost. After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season.

Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Set level with the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand leaving a slight depression around the plant to hold water.

Water thoroughly, so that a puddle forms in the saucer you have created. This settles the plants in, drives out air pockets and results in good root-to-soil contact.

Use the plant tag as a location marker.

Keep soil evenly moist but not wet.

Shear plants back by one-half after the first flush of flowers has ended to encourage new buds to form.

Plants self-sow so allow some to set seeds.

Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.

Remove plants after they are killed by heavy frost in fall to avoid disease issues the following year.

Alyssum performs best in areas with relatively cool summers, but can grow anywhere.

Alyssum makes a great temporary ground cover and grows nicely with dianthus, violets, and thyme. Plant alyssum between stepping stones or in paving cracks, or grow it in containers. Alyssum also makes a great addition to a butterfly or seaside garden.

Alyssum has a sweet fragrance. Plant where you can enjoy this, such as in a window box. Because of the fragrance it will also attract bees, butterflies and many beneficial insects such as lady bugs.

Product Details

Sun

Full Sun, Part Sun

Height

4 inches

Spread

5-8 inches

Ornamental Use

Beds, Container

Life Cycle

Annual

Sow Method

Direct Sow

Flowering

Yes

Bloom Duration

4 weeks

Flower color

White

Reviews

Alyssum, Carpet Of Snow is rated
4.2 out of
5 by
13.

Rated 1 out of
5 by
LACSA from
Tape made planting so easy but nothing grewBought to plant between pavers in backyard. A few scraggly seedlings but nothing that survived.

Date published: 2017-07-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
tommypickles from
.easy to grow and very pretty, bees loved this stuff

Date published: 2017-04-17

Rated 4 out of
5 by
midnight_gardener from
So far, so goodI bought alyssum seeds a few months ago and sprinkled them in hanging baskets in between my violas, kept them moist, and it took ~one week for germination. Tons of seedlings have popped up already! Can't wait to see these in bloom :)

Date published: 2016-11-01

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Chickenfarmergirl from
Best seed buy everI've never been one for planting annuals - too fussy and wimpy for me. Except that this alyssum totally beat out the variety from the local garden center. I sprinkled Carpet of Snow seeds in front of my eggplants, weeded a few times, then sat back and relaxed. It is now the best looking little garden I have! Quick to fill in and flower, chickens trample it and it pops right back, edges get mowed but don't turn brown, never quits flowering. I'm buying a packet of these seeds for each of my gardens next year!

Date published: 2015-08-23

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Vazmami from
StunningI have never used this and I loved it!!! Easy to care for

Date published: 2014-09-21

Rated 5 out of
5 by
BillTMcD from
Excellent coverI really didn't know what to expect when I germinated these, but it didn't take long to realize these would be a winner. They grow quickly, and spread fast (be careful what you wish for, it became a little too much cover). My flowers never seem to get as large as the picture, but they are small and delicate and pleasing to look at.

Date published: 2013-07-11

Rated 4 out of
5 by
bethany1179 from
Are these fast growers?I am interested in starting these indoors to be used in containers to decorate a tables at a bridal shower in April. Can someone tell me if they are fast growing and would bloom in 8 weeks if grown indoors? Thank you for your help!

Date published: 2013-02-05

Rated 1 out of
5 by
ceejaa from
disappointedI feel really let down by these. I ordered the seed tapes of the alyssum and planted them in April and kept them properly watered . I don't know what I did wrong but only one came up.